SAM.gov has integrated multiple federal award platforms, streamlining contractor reporting processes. The system now serves as a single access point for registration, contract searches, and performance management. Recent changes include subaward reporting migration, extended service contract reporting deadlines to January 31, 2025, and a new centralized compliance validation process effective March 8, 2025. Contractors must maintain accurate registrations with 3-5 day verification periods to remain eligible for federal awards. The following updates reveal critical compliance requirements affecting contractor evaluation.

SAM.gov System Integration: Consolidation of Federal Award Management Platforms

The U.S. government has systematically consolidated multiple federal award management platforms into the unified System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This integration streamlines the federal award lifecycle by incorporating functionalities from several legacy systems.

FBO.gov, CFDA.gov, and WDOL.gov have been fully decommissioned, with their features now accessible through SAM.gov’s interface.

The consolidation enhances user experience by providing a single access point for various system functionalities, including entity registration, contract opportunity searches, and performance information management. The recent extension of the Service Contract Reporting deadline to January 31, 2025 demonstrates ongoing improvements to the system’s compliance processes. Federal grant opportunities are now more accessible to small and medium enterprises through this streamlined platform.

Users can now obtain Unique Entity IDs, search contract opportunities, and run data reports without traversing multiple platforms. The integration of the Excluded Parties List helps prevent prohibited individuals and entities from participating in federal contracts.

This integration, part of the broader Integrated Award Environment (IAE) initiative, offers cost-free access to federal award processes while maintaining detailed data management capabilities.

Critical Updates to Contractor Reporting Requirements and Deadlines

Following significant system consolidation efforts, contractors must adapt to several important changes in federal reporting requirements and deadlines. The retirement of FSRS.gov has shifted all subaward reporting to SAM.gov, creating a unified platform for contractor compliance activities.

Contractor responsibilities now include annual service contract reporting by October 31st through SAM.gov, with specific requirements for subcontractor data collection and submission. Agencies review submissions by November 15th and contractors must address revisions by November 30th.

Annual service contract reporting deadlines are firm: contractor submissions by October 31, agency reviews by November 15, and corrections by November 30.

Reporting penalties have become more stringent, with non-compliance directly impacting contractor performance evaluations under FAR subpart 42.15.

Failure to meet deadlines may trigger contractual remedies by contracting officers, affecting future award opportunities. Contractors must guarantee timely submission to maintain favorable performance ratings. Maintaining active SAM registration is crucial for accessing federal contracts, grants, and other forms of government financial assistance.

Navigating the New Compliance Validation Process for Federal Contractors

With significant changes taking effect on March 8, 2025, federal contractors must adapt to a centralized compliance validation process within SAM.gov.

Following FSRS.gov’s retirement, all subaward reporting shifts to SAM.gov, creating a streamlined portal for vendor registration and compliance verification.

The process requires mandatory registration with accurate business information, followed by a 3-5 day verification period. Federal award eligibility requires an active SAM registration before any application can be submitted.

Compliance challenges often arise from outdated information or delayed responses to documentation requests. Contractors must promptly address these issues to maintain eligibility. Contractors should note that a recent class deviation issued by GSA has amended requirements for both existing and new government contracts. Regular vendor renewals are necessary to maintain eligibility for future federal contracts and prevent disruptions in contracting opportunities.

Executive Order 14173 introduces additional requirements that contractors must follow through SAM.gov’s integrated systems.

This centralized approach enhances transparency while reducing duplication, offering real-time compliance status to contracting officers at no cost to vendors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Migrate Legacy FSRS.Gov Login Credentials to SAM.Gov?

Users can migrate their legacy credentials from FSRS.gov to SAM.gov by signing into SAM.gov using their FSRS username and password.

The migration process requires users to connect their accounts before March 8, 2025.

After signing in with legacy credentials, users will need an administrator to assign appropriate roles for subaward reporting access.

This one-time process guarantees continued access to historical data and new reporting features.

Can Subcontractors Update Reports Submitted by Prime Contractors?

Subcontractors do not have permissions to directly update or modify reports submitted by prime contractors in SAM.gov.

The system architecture places the responsibility for report modifications exclusively with prime contractors, who maintain control over submission and correction of subcontracting data.

Subcontractors must communicate any needed changes to the prime contractor, who then implements the updates within the system.

This hierarchical approach guarantees data integrity and maintains clear accountability in the reporting process.

What Happens if TIN Validation Fails After SAM Registration?

When TIN validation fails after SAM registration, businesses face several registration consequences. The entity’s registration will be marked incomplete, preventing them from receiving federal contracts or grants.

To resolve these TIN issues, the business must verify their information with the IRS, ensuring their legal business name and TIN exactly match IRS records. Once corrected, the entity must update their SAM profile and re-attempt validation to restore their active registration status.

Are Biopreferred Reporting Requirements Different for Small Businesses?

Small businesses face the same BioPreferred reporting requirements as larger contractors. The reporting mandate applies universally to all federal contractors regardless of size, with the same October 31st annual deadline.

However, small businesses may benefit from specialized resources within the BioPreferred program that help navigate compliance challenges.

Understanding biopreferred definitions is essential for small business benefits, as proper categorization and self-certification can enhance market opportunities while fulfilling federal reporting obligations through SAM.

How Long Does the Compliance Validation Process Typically Take?

The compliance validation process typically takes 6-8 weeks, though recent system updates have extended this timeline to potentially 10+ weeks.

Various validation factors affect duration, including data matching efficiency, documentation accuracy, and registration volume.

Processing times depend on the complexity of an entity’s information and promptness in responding to queries.

Small businesses face the same compliance timelines as larger organizations but may benefit from starting early and ensuring all submitted information is complete and accurate.